Dr Roza Sage Member for Blue Mountains, Sergio Rosato Principal at St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Paul Ryan Principal at St Columba
Dr Roza Sage Member for Blue Mountains, Sergio Rosato Principal at St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Paul Ryan Principal at St Columba's College, Education Minister Adrian Piccoli MP and St Columba's students James Freeman and Jordan Hallam

Education Minister Adrian Piccoli MP and Member for Blue Mountains Dr Roza Sage paid a special visit to students from St Thomas Aquinas Primary and St Columba’s College in Springwood.

On Tuesday 11 March, Minister Piccoli met with students who were directly affected by the bushfires of October 2013.

Students spoke openly and movingly of how their lives have changed since their home-life and community were devastated by the fires. Several students acknowledged how much closer the experience has brought them as families and as a community. Year 11 St Columbus student James gave special thanks for his teachers who ‘were always there for him’.  

Minister Piccoli said he was privileged to hear their stories and hoped, like the grass and trees were growing again, that they were beginning to move on with help from each other.

Dr Sage reassured students that grieving was a normal part of life sharing her own story and inspiring students with hope for the future.

Following the meeting, Minister Piccoli and Dr Sage joined students and teachers for a morning tea.

 

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Facebook

  • 25 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    More HSC Showcase success for St Columba’s! We are thrilled to share that three of our students have been nominated for SHAPE, the HSC showcase celebrating excellence in Technology and Design. Congratulations to Rhianna and Kirrilly for their incredible achievements in Textiles and Design, and to Xavier for his outstanding work in Industrial Technology (Timber). A special thank you to their teachers, Mrs Cusack and Mr Flack, whose expertise and encouragement have helped our students bring their creative visions to life. With such a remarkable number of showcase nominations this year, we couldn’t be prouder of our students and staff. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

    25 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    Since Week 3 of this term, the staff, students and families of St Columba’s have been donating much-needed food and household items to the Ignite Food Store in Emerton, run by Jesuit Social Services. The Ignite Food Store offers grocery items at reduced prices, helping people cope with the rising cost of living. Here is part of the message that Joe Magri delivered at our St Columba’s Day Mass after receiving some of our donations: “[On] your feast day, which calls on all people to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God; your College motto is also what we at Jesuit Social Services strive to be and do, especially in Mt Druitt. The College is in solidarity with us, walking shoulder to shoulder, accompanying people with dignity, who are struggling with the costs of living, to support themselves and their families.” A sincere thank you to all the families and staff who contributed to this worthy cause!

Latest News More news

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.